Lions Beat Browns

The Lions defeated the Browns 26-6?in the Great Lakes Classic?to remain undefeated in the preseason.? However,?Cleveland was without seven key players for the contest.? The Lions were missing three.? Regardless of who the teams were missing, the Lions took care of business, in dominating fashion. While the Lions will be more committed to running the ball in 2008, they came out passing.? They went shotgun, no huddle, as?they wanted to get the starters a little practice in the two minute?drill.??The opening drive resulted in a field goal.??Once again, QB Jon Kitna was very effective in limited action. For the first time during the preseason, the running?game was able to break a couple of long ones.? Rookie Kevin Smith took it to the end zone from 35 yards out.??Brian Calhoun broke loose for a 40 yard gain.? The?rushing attack picked up 129 yards on 30 carries for the game, which the coaching staff would be elated to see in a regular season match up. The story on defense was the continued effectiveness of the pass rush.? The defense harassed QBs Brady Quinn and Ken Dorsey throughout the game.? This Lions fans is a good thing, a very good thing.??While the Browns were missing QB Derek Anderson, WR Braylon Edwards, and RB Jamal Lewis, the offensive line was intact.? The Lions held the?Browns to 250 total yards for the game. While it would have been nice to see the two teams compete with everyone healthy, it didn't happen.? The Lions?controlled the game, looked?very good, and didn't sustain any injuries.? Mission accomplished.? They close out the preseason this?Thursday in Buffalo.?